Welcome Incoming Wharton Doctoral Programs Students!

The  Doctoral Coordinator & Administrative Directory lists the point(s) of contact for your PhD department.

A  PennKey and password are required to access many of the University’s electronic services.

After you submit your enrollment decision forms your information will be entered into the University of Pennsylvania’s records.  You will be sent a letter (either via email or regular mail – the system is transitioning between the two) with your password and login information instructing you on how to get your Penn Key (generally 2 to 3 weeks).

Your PennKey will allow you to access a variety of Penn systems such as registering for courses, viewing your transcripts, signing up for health insurance and a variety of other services. Links to the PennKey system are below.

Note: If  you have previously enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania (e.g., you obtained your undergraduate degree here), continue to use the PennKey login and password you were originally issued.

Please let the Doctoral Programs office know if you have any problems or questions.

PennKey Home

http://www.upenn.edu/computing/pennkey/

If you are a new student, a PennKey Setup Code will be automatically mailed to you. To register your PennKey: https://challengeresponse.apps.upenn.edu/challengeResponse/jsp/fast.do?fastStart=registerMyPennkey

If you have previously been enrolled as a University of Pennsylvania student (e.g., undergraduate, other graduate work) you should use the PennKey information used at that time.

You may have to wait one to two business days for your registration information to make its way through the University system to access some university sites.

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) aims to provide immigration assistance as well as a sense of community for the international population at Penn.

Penn ISSS: http://global.upenn.edu/isss

Pre-Arrival: http://global.upenn.edu/isss/prearrival

Mandatory New International Student Check-In Requirements: http://global.upenn.edu/isss/orientation

Getting started at Penn for incoming international students: http://global.upenn.edu/isss/getting-started

To contact ISSS: https://global.upenn.edu/isss/faqs/

All incoming Wharton Doctoral Students will receive their Wharton email address around May 22nd. Please note: Your PennKey will also be your Wharton email address which cannot be changed.

The Doctoral Programs office will use your Wharton email address as the main form of contact. Please have email forwarded to your Wharton account or use your Wharton email address to ensure that you are receiving all information from the Doctoral Programs office as well as your department.

Wharton Computing offers a helpful Whartonization Guide as a launchpad to the many technical, research and computing resources available: https://support.wharton.upenn.edu/help/whartonization-guide-phd 

For questions on IT support, please contact acs-support@wharton.upenn.edu.

All Wharton Doctoral Students including new PhD students use Path@Penn to register for classes. If you are unsure which courses to register for, please consult with your Doctoral Coordinator. 

COURSE REGISTRATION DEADLINES FOR FALL 2025:

• The deadline to add/swap a course for Fall 2025 is September 9
• The deadline to drop a course for Fall 2025 is October 6

How-To Links & Videos:

• • Quick Reference Guides for Students
  • Add/Drop/Swap courses
  • How to Submit Petitions

Below are some links to University and Wharton sites that you may find useful. You will need to login with your University of Pennsylvania PennKey or your Wharton Login and Password to access some of the sites.

Path@Penn (PennKey Required) 

Path@Penn is your main hub for information about your academic records and student profile. Use your PennKey and password to log on for online course registration, course schedules and academic records, updating selected address information, and updating privacy settings.

Campus Express (PennKey Required)

Campus Express provides a convenient portal for accessing a number of Penn services, including your PennCard (school ID), dining, transportation and parking, ordering books and technology, registering property, and more. You can also learn about discounts for Penn students!

Doctoral Inside

This site is specifically for Wharton Doctoral Programs Students and provides a wealth of information on program requirements, important dates & upcoming events, etc.

• Policies & Procedures: http://doctoral-inside.wharton.upenn.edu/policies-procedures/

Whartonization Guide

Onboarding and resource website for all of student’s technical, research and computing needs.

Graduate Student Center

• Graduate Student Orientation Hub
  This webpage is a one-stop portal for University-wide information, resources, and activities for new graduate & professional students. The page will continue to be updated throughout the summer!
• New Student Events Calendar
  See upcoming events for new graduate & professional students at Penn.

• Resources & information for new students

 Academic Calendar

You may need your Penn ID Number, or your Penn Key and Login for some of the sites.

If you have any questions about housing, please contact the Housing offices.

Penn Residential Services

• Penn Residential Services: https://residential-services.business-services.upenn.edu/ 
• Resources:  https://residential-services.business-services.upenn.edu/quick-tips

Off-Campus Services

• Off Campus Services: www.upenn.edu/offcampusservices
• Housing and Roommate Search: http://offcampushousing.upenn.edu/

Summer Housing

• Summer at Penn:  http://cms.business-services.upenn.edu/hospitality-services/

Penn’s Off-Campus Housing Fair Hosted by Penn Off-Campus Services: https://upenn.vfairs.com/

All Wharton PhD students are required to submit Immunization and Health History forms. You can obtain student health forms now and you will be able to sign up for health insurance July 1st.

All of this information can be found on the Penn Wellness website (https://wellness.upenn.edu/), but more specific links are provided below. You will need your Penn Key to access these systems.

Important: You will not be able to register for classes if you do not have the required Health forms submitted

Please let the Doctoral Programs office know if you have any questions.

Immunization Compliance

The University of Pennsylvania requires all incoming students to be immunized against certain diseases and to submit this information online. You also are required to fill out 2 personal health questionnaires and electronically sign a consent form.  This is done through a secure website. The requirements and instructions can be found here: https://wellness.upenn.edu/immunization-insurance-compliance/immunization-compliance

Please note: Failure to meet the requirements will result in denial of student registration privileges.

Insurance Compliance

Available: The enrollment/waiver site for academic year 25-26 will open to all students on July 1st and will close on August 31st.

All University of Pennsylvania students are required to have Health Insurance.  Full-time and dissertation status students must enroll in the Penn Student Insurance Plan (PSIP) or provide proof of acceptable alternative coverage.  If proof is not provided, students will be automatically enrolled in the PSIP.

As noted in your offer letters and on the Wharton Doctoral Programs Website all admitted doctoral student’s fellowships cover Health Insurance. Please confirm with your department’s Business Administrator if you have any questions about the terms of your fellowship. Penn Insurance coverage begins on August 1. 

If you are interested in obtaining summer coverage, check with your department for their policy on payment for early coverage.

• Insurance Requirements: https://shs.wellness.upenn.edu/inreq/
• Online Waiver/Enrollment Site: https://studenthealth.bgenroll.com/home

1)  Student Immunization Record and Student Medical History Questionnaire

Available: Now

The University of Pennsylvania requires all incoming students to be immunized against certain diseases and to submit this information.

You also are required to fill out two personal health questionnaires and electronically sign a consent form. This is done through a secure website. The deadline for submission is July 1st.

Failure to meet the requirements will result in denial of student registration privileges.

Please visit the Student Health Services web site for further information:

• Required Immunizations: https://wellness.upenn.edu/immunization-insurance-compliance/immunization-compliance
• Immunization Form (Due July 1): https://upenn.app.box.com/s/vuf3dn6c0sn0vinekn4qp8tjequhwr8l
• Contact: Please feel free to contact Immunization Navigators, 3535 Market street, Suite 60, Mezzanine Philadelphia PA 19104, 215-746-WELL (9355),wel-immun@pobox.upenn.edu

 2)  Health Insurance (PENN Key Needed)

Available: July 1st

All University of Pennsylvania students are required to have Health Insurance.  If you are interested in obtaining summer coverage, check with your department for their policy on payment for early coverage.

Full-time and dissertation status students must enroll in the Penn Student Insurance Plan (PSIP) or provide proof of acceptable alternative coverage.  If proof is not provided, students will be automatically enrolled in the PSIP.  Students may file their selection on-line through the Penn Portal beginning on July 1.

• SHS Insurance: https://wellness.upenn.edu/immunization-insurance-compliance/insurance-compliance
• Online Waiver/Enrollment Site: https://studenthealth.bgenroll.com/home
• Penn Insurance Information: https://wellness.upenn.edu/insurance-requirements/penn-student-insurance-plan-psip
• Insurance Contact Information: Insurance Navigators, 3535 Market street, Suite 60, Mezzanine Philadelphia PA 19104, 215-746-WELL (9355), wel-shsinsur@pobox.upenn.edu

YOU CANNOT SIGN UP BEFORE JULY 1, IF YOU TRY YOU WILL RECEIVE AN ERROR MESSAGE.

Wharton Doctoral Programs offers summer camps for our incoming students to help prepare you for your future course work.  Not all departments require their students to participate, so please consult your department’s program coordinator to find out if you should sign up.

Please be aware the Economics Math Camp, Wharton Math Camp and Wharton Tech Camp will be hosted in-person for Summer 2025. A hybrid/remote option is not available.

Below you will find some preliminary information about Wharton’s summer Math Camp, the alternative is the more extensive Math Camp (ECON 8970) offered by the Economics department and Wharton’s OIDD 9120 – a six week follow up course offered this fall.

In addition to the Math Camps, Tech Camp is suited for any student wanting to improve his/her skills acquiring, cleaning, manipulating, and transferring data.

If you have any questions, please let the Doctoral Programs office know.

 Wharton Doctoral Programs – Summer Math Camp

What is it?

• Preparation for core courses in applied economics and statistics.
• Will cover the basics of optimization theory and perhaps offer a short two lecture sequence on probability theory as well.
• This is a zero credit class and will not show up on your transcript.

Who will/should take it?

• All students planning to take the Economics 6810-6820 sequence will be expected to have mastered this material, either from prior course work or by passing the Math Camp “final” exam.
• Students who are directed to do so by their program’s PhD coordinator.

When is it?

• Dates: 8/1/25 – 8/20/25
• Time: MWF 1:45pm-3:30pm EST
• Final Exam Date: August 22, 2025

Cost/Fee:

• There is no fee for Wharton’s math camp.

WEBSITE  & SYLLABUS – https://canvas.upenn.edu/courses/1849974

REGISTRATION – https://wharton.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bKFeJ44fUOSBI5o

OIDD 912

What is it?

• A continuation of the Summer Math Camp, optimization as a six-week Q1 mini-course that will do constrained optimization, convexity and quasi-convexity, the maximum theorem, and dynamic programming.
• This is a ½ credit course and will appear on your transcript

Who should take it?

• All students planning to take Economics 6810-6820 sequence will be expected to have mastered this material, either from prior course work or by passing the Math Camp “final” exam.
• Students who are directed to do so by their program coordinator.

When is it?

• Fall 2025, date, time, location and instructor to be announced.

Cost/Fee:

• Fees and associated costs should handled by the departments like any other class.

ECON 8970 – Alternative to Wharton’s Summer Math Camp

What is it?

• Students who wish take the Economics Department summer math camp are free to enroll in that course as alternative preparation.

Who should take it?

• Students wishing to take Economics 7010-7030 should consider taking the Economics Department’s summer math camp.
• This is a zero credit class and will not show up on your transcript.
  • Dates: 7/7/2025 – 8/18/25: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
  • Hours: 10:00AM – 3:30PM each day
  • Final (Waiver) Exam: August 18, 2025

Cost/Fee:

• $2,250.00 – The payment of fees for Econ 8970 varies by department, with some departments paying the entire fee, some departments paying half of the fee, and others placing the responsibility upon the incoming student.  Please contact your department for its policy.

Website/Registration

• See ECON’s website for additional information:  http://economics.sas.upenn.edu/graduate-program/course-information/summer-math-camp

Wharton Doctoral Programs – Tech Camp

What is it?

• It’s suited for any student wanting to improve his/her skills acquiring, cleaning, manipulating, and transferring data.
• Will be useful to a wide range of students interested in empirical research.
• This is a zero credit class and will not show up on your transcript.

Who will/should take it?

• This camp is offered to both new and returning students.

When is it?

• Dates: 8/1/2025 – 8/22/2025
• Time: MWF 10:30am-12:00pm

Cost/Fee: There is no fee for Wharton’s tech camp.

WEBSITE  & SYLLABUS – https://canvas.upenn.edu/courses/1853244

REGISTRATION – https://wharton.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6u0S3mn4ywvUb2u

Students in Wharton Doctoral Programs have the option of registering their partners in various Penn programs, which provides partners with a number of benefits as members of the Penn community.

• You and your spouse/partner are invited to the Grad Center Orientation activities! This is a great chance for you and your partner to learn about the many resources at Penn but also give you fun ways to learn about Philadelphia! https://gsc.upenn.edu/welcome
• PennCard: Your spouse/partner can access many campus services, but he/she will need a PennCard first: http://cms.business-services.upenn.edu/penncard/
• A spouse/partner PennCard provides access to certain libraries and other services on campus: https://penncard.business-services.upenn.edu/guest-others
• Access to free Penn transit: http://cms.business-services.upenn.edu/transportation/
• Campus Recreation: Spouses/partners are able to sign up for a gym membership at the student-rate plans. There are varying levels of membership.  For more information: http://www.upenn.edu/recreation/
• For international students with spouses, we have the International Spouses and Partners at Penn community: https://global.upenn.edu/isss/ispp
• Students and their spouses/partners can also join our many Wharton clubs and organizations through Wharton Groups: https://groups.wharton.upenn.edu/login. Clubs and groups range from social, interest, and professional groups.  For Spouses/Partners, simply select a group you’d like to join, then create a Campus Groups account and select “Wharton Doctoral Partners.”  Membership fees vary by group.
• Doctoral students with families can also take advantage of the many activities and resources for students with families that Penn offers through the Family Center at Penn http://www.familycenter.upenn.edu/
• Resources for new & expecting parents: https://familycenter.upenn.edu/resources-support.
• Lactation rooms on campus: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/wellness-worklife/family-care/lactation-support-program/how-to-find-on-campus-nursing-and-lactation-space.

We look forward to welcoming you and your family to Wharton!

Students’ well-being and safety is our top priority at Wharton Doctoral Programs and across the University. There are a range of resources on campus that provide you guidance and support, if needed at any time.

All incoming Wharton Doctoral students will be enrolled in an online Canvas course to learn about the policies, resources and contacts which support students’ safety across campus. You will be enrolled in the course, THRIVE AT PENN, in mid-July.

The Graduate Student Center (GSC) provides helpful information for new students to Penn: https://gsc.upenn.edu/resources/new-students

GSC also offers online sessions for incoming and new students: https://gsc.upenn.edu/resources/new-students/new-student-orientation

GSC  has put together a helpful checklist to help prepare incoming graduate students: https://gsc.upenn.edu/resources/new-students/new-student-checklist-faq

Please be aware that the following items from the GSC checklist DO NOT apply to Wharton Doctoral students:

Financial Aid

Wharton Doctoral Student receive a full stipend, tuition and health insurance. Financial aid does not apply to WDP students. If you have financial question, please feel free to contact your department’s Business Administrator.

Penn Pay

This does not apply to WDP students. Please contact your department’s Business Administrator if you will be receiving billing.

The PennCard is the official University identification card for students.

To obtain a PennCard:

• Apply for your PennCard at Campus Express Online
• Schedule an appointment to pick up your PennCard from the PennCard Center located on the Second Floor of the Penn Bookstore: https://penncard.business-services.upenn.edu/appointments
• A valid, government issued photo I.D. will be required in order to pick up a PennCard